Roy Hodgson last night admitted that he will have to call on some of
his senior players to maintain Liverpool's interest in Europe.

The manager fielded a side made up of reserves, academy players and
recovering senior squad members in a 1-0 defeat at German side
Kaiserslautern.

But he is not yet prepared to write off the Europa League and does
not want to risk Liverpool's progress when they go to Macedonia for a
third qualifying round tie this week.

Selection headache: Roy Hodgson has much to think about after Liverpool's defeat

'It is pretty obvious to everyone that is not the sort of team you really want to play on Thursday,' said Hodgson. 'They deserve credit for the way they went about their business but we will have to think carefully.

'The sports science people are keen we don't throw the World Cup people into action, but to throw this team into the Europa League might be a bridge too far for them.'

Milan Jovanovic made his Liverpool debut in the game but made little impression on the left of midfield.

Sotirios Kyrgiakos, another who is set to face Rabotnicki on Thursday, was in reasonable shape and Alberto Aquilani, who had returned to Liverpool for treatment to a minor knee injury, should also be involved against the Macedonians.

Hodgson brought in players such as Paul Ince's son Thomas and England youth player Jonjo Shelvey for a taste of first-team action.

But his frustration at other more experienced players, such as David Ngog, was obvious on the touchline.

The striker made a lively start and went close in the first minute and David Amoo, produced a decent effort early on too.

The 19-year-old Liverpool reserve forward shot straight at Tobias Sippel and Martin Kelly had an effort deflected over from Jovanovic's corner before the hosts made the breakthrough.

Kaiserslautern's Ilian Micanski scored the only goal, flicking in the only goal with his instep in the 32nd minute.

After the break the Germans created a couple of opportunities but Hodgson's youthful side - midfielder Lucas was the most experienced first-teamer - did not concede again.

Despite the defeat, the performance and the goalless draw with Grasshoppers will have given Hodgson some cause for optimism as he embarks on his Liverpool career.